Tokyo Shopping

My friend is heading off to Tokyo in a few days so I'd like to share with him (and to whoever is reading this) the places where I did most of my shopping. For sneaker heads looking for the usual shoes, you can always check out ABC Mart and Sports by Atmos in Shinjuku. There are popular brands like Tokyu Hands, Biqlo (they have this gigantic shop in Shinjuku, an all-in-one shop for electronics and Uniqlo clothing. Biqlo in Shinjuku also has g.u., part of the Uniqlo group that offers a more affordable range of clothing similar to F21).

The shops listed below are a few of my favorite shops to get friends and loved ones unique items that won't break your wallets:

1. Be cultured and shop at the same time! 

The National Art Center Tokyo is situated in what they'd call as the Roppongi Art Triangle (The National Art Center, Tokyo - The Suntory Museum of Art - The Mori Art Museum). While Roppongi's covers all your designer labels (stunning displays and well-designed boutique BUILDINGS!), the Art Center is a good starting point if you want to give your loved ones something that screams Tokyo kitsch without breaking the bank (plus, most of the souvenir items there are one-of-a-kind).  Among the three museums, its a bit farther so better to just get off at the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nogizaka Station Exit 6 which is directly connected to the Center to save you the hassle of finding this building. 

There are no cameras allowed for special exhibits (I just sneaked a shot of this display). When I went there, a history of ballet costumes (from the original ones used by the cast!) was being shown. 

Among the musuems I've visited, it has the most interesting architecture. Although I prefer Western paintings, the Art center houses local and emerging artists so its always a great stopover before you head off the souvenir area.

The souvenir shop is located on the basement. Its where I got my fish pencil case at 1/3 the price in Village Vanguard. Although most of the items are on the pricey side (no generic keychain and shirts here), but  if you want to give something thoughful (and uniquely Japanese! for hipster friends) this is the place to go. The museum closes at 5:30 pm so be there early!

2. Kiddyland

Went here in my last day. Five floors for the kiddie inside you! Imagine Toy Kingdom if they have more curated collection- for the kid at heart who grew up watching Studio Ghilbi films (they have an entire floor for this!). 

Friends who go gaga over Bear Brick dolls, they have limited editions sold here. For super geek fans- they also have Evangelion and Gundam collection (if you don't have time to go to Odaiba), Star Wars. They even have Sailor Moon.

3. Takeya

For those wanting to get friends from anywhere and everywhere whatever items, Takeya has the cheapest stuff. From Tokyo Banana to chips to spices to watches- they have BUILDINGS. yes separate buildings for every imaginable souvenir you want. Its crazy. 

Store Hours	１０：００～２０：３０
Access
●JR Yamanote Line : 2-minute walk from Okachimachi Station(North Exit) ●Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line : 3-minute walk from Naka-OkachimachiStation’(No.3 Exit)

Three floors of beauty products!!! You have to pay for item purchased on EACH floor. So have your boyfriend tag along to line up for purchases you've made per floor.

Pocky, Kitkat, and all sort of junk food you want to stuff your mouth. Its almost half the price than what you'd normally find in the Philippines.

 They also have tealeaves, coffee beans, nuts for "old" people you want to impress back home.

 No time to go to the fish market? yes, they sell cheap sushi here. for 298 yen, you are good to go. They also have a separate aisle section for Japanese spices/mixes/condiments. Perfect for your pa-foodie friend back home.

Here is Ezra's beauty loot. Ill try to do a separate entry for this but I swear you HAVE to get the DHC Cleansing oil and the moisturizer.

My brother went gaga over the Kitkat cheescake flavor (Rex hates it, thinks that its like eating Mcdo pancakes with tons of syrup in chocolate form). They sell an assorted loot bag with all these chips. Don't get the wasabi flavored chips (only Rex likes them. It's like eating wasabi in chip form, humahagod ang anghang).

Hope you guys have fun shopping. I've tried doing the inevitable- finding my way from Ueno to Tenya to Takeya and geting lost along the way. After several "Takeya, doko desu ka?", its advisable that you just take the station. :)) Its so much easier that way since the station is situated right beside Takeya.